Best Whiskies To Invest In - November Whisky Investment Index

Springbank holds on

This month Springbank has just held onto the top position, but the story I think is about another bank, Rosebank. Rosebank has moved up the field significantly and with Brora also moving up it seems that distilleries that have been long gone, but are now being brought back to life are doing well. Whether this is to do with the publicity surrounding these distilleries or not we will never know, but with Rosebank resuming construction earlier this year and Brora being opened in the summer, there is a lot of excitement over these distilleries and their historical bottlings will be of greater importance as they get closer to bottling their new whisky.

As always, it seems the difference at the top of the field is very little in percentage terms and last month was tighter than ever proving that buying bottles from within the top echelons of whisky will probably do you well in the long run. 

With the prices of bottles from closed distilleries very high at retail, it really is best to find bottles at auction. Below the whisky ranking is a list of auction houses in the UK, US and Hong Kong which have been around for a while and are well respected.

Springbank .5%
Brora 1%
Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1.0%
Karuizawa .5
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Clynelish 2%
The Dalmore 2%
Ardbeg 2%
Glen Grant

Best Whisky Auction Houses in the UK

Scotchwhiskyauctions.com

Based in Scotland, this auction house is one of the longer established businesses and has reasonable fees.

Whiskyauctioneers.com

This auction house is relatively new to the scene but has rapidly become the biggest auction house of all. With thousands of bottles in each auction, there is always something to pick up at a good price.

Whisky.auction

This house is owned by the hugely respected Sukhinder Singh and run by Isabel Graham-Yooll they have a huge amount of experience in weeding out fake whisky and are one of the safest houses to buy from. Their organisational skills are second to none and buying or selling is incredibly smooth and easy.

Best Whisky Auction Houses in the US

Ackerwines.com

The USA’s oldest wine and spirits merchant has been doing wine auctions for many years and retailing wines and spirits since 1820, however, in May 2019 they held their first Spirits auction in Hong Kong and are going from strength to strength. With a hugely knowledgeable team across Hong Kong, the UK and USA they are definitely worth consideration, and if you are USA-based then an obvious house to look at.

Best Whisky Auction Houses in Hong Kong

Bonhams

A subsidiary of the famous London auction house, Bonhams has been breaking records for selling whisky rather a lot recently. Well-known and well respected, I would say Bonhams is a great place to sell any collection.

Spinks

A smaller lesser-known auction house that gets less publicity than Bonhams and I would say a good place to find whisky. 

All the above auction houses are good places to buy and sell whisky, they have respected reputations and slick operations. But do some research. Some are better at selling and others better at consigning unusual bottles. All are happy to talk to you and help you in our quest for fabulous whisky though.

To catch up on the past couple of months of whisky investment advice and to see how it all started click on the following links: October, September, August, the beginning.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - October Whisky Investment Index

Springbank leaps forward.

Last month was all about Springbank. At auction, this distillery has excelled and pushed its way to the top of the board. Macallan is still up their but seems to be slowing down at the moment, Brora is still strong as is Bowmore, and the rest of the table stays pretty much as it was.

Springbank is a relatively small distillery in comparison to many, and really only produces about as much as the Springbank fans can consume. This leaves collectors and speculators picking up Springbank at auction and keeping the prices rising. Releases of Springbank sell out extremely quickly, like the “local barley” expression for example, and are then traded for a lot more than the retail value at auction. Even after they are picked up at auction the prices will still steadily rise.

Springbank 2%
Macallan 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Brora 2%
Bowmore 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

I recently highlighted Springbank bottles, and there are a few more I have found here. But with the rarity of Springbank at retail, it is really about keeping a keen eye on the auction sites and picking up bottles when they seem good value to you.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

This expression sells out pretty quickly as Springbank at cask strength is well sought after. A good option for anyone starting out in collecting Springbank

ABV: 53.8%
Size: 750ml 
Find here: $159.99

Springbank 16 Year Old Local Barley

Another cask strength offering and this being the local barley expression, means that this is rare and will do very well in the future. There is very little of this expression produced as there is very little local barely to make the whisky.

ABV: 54.3%
Size: 750ml  

Springbank 19 Year Old Rechar Sherry

Cask strength with an unusual cask make up using casks which have been de-charred and then re-charred giving them one more use and they have a spicier flavour profile. With this expression being a little older, the price is higher, but then so might be the returns.

ABV: 58.6%
Size: 750ml

The next couple of expressions are very rare as they are older expressions from years ago.

Springbank 25 Year Old Millennium Collection

Released some time ago, this expression of Springbank has been steadily rising in value over the years. Hard to find even at auction, these bottles will always be wanted.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £3495

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength

Longrow is a peated expression distilled at the Springbank distillery. This one has been bottled by famous Italian independent bottler Samaroli. This bottler holds a great deal of respect, especially with older offerings like this one.

ABV: 53%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £6995

These are a few examples and always everything written in this article is just advice, but overall with Springbank, the annual releases which have an age statement and unusual cask maturation will do well, especially if they are at cask strength. Try and seek them out at retail when they first come on the market, otherwise, happy hunting at auction.

To catch up on the past couple of months of whisky investment advice and to see how it all started click on the following links: September, August, July, the beginning.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

Macallan does it again.

Macallan has not only managed to stay at the top of the table, but it has also extended its lead. This could be down to a few things. Mainly, it’s because there has been a lot of Macallan at auction recently. Also there have been a few lower-level limited editions come to market over the last year or so and they are finding their way onto the secondary market. Examples of this would be the Concept series, which has had its final release recently, and the editions series. These I believe still have potential to grow even if bought on the secondary market at today’s prices. And it looks like a lot of other people feel the same as these series are doing well at auction.

High value Karuizawa bottles are still coming to auction giving this Japanese closed distillery a strong place on the table and with the recent releases of Brora, the most well known being the Tryptic, Brora continues to do well.

There is little change in the table this month, but the percentages have changed. They have become closer together. This makes it difficult to pick clear winners, but it is also a good sign that one shouldn’t do badly by choosing any of the brands or distilleries below as an investment. As long as one sticks to the rule of buying limited editions, single casks and good independent bottles.

Macallan 2%
Bowmore 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Springbank 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Brora 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

With no clear winner other than Macallan, I have chosen a few different brands rather than sticking to one. As any good investment portfolio should have variation.

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Drum

Released a few years ago, this has already had some time in the marketplace and is still a great one to keep your eyes open for.

ABV: 46%
Size: 750ml
Find here: $279.99 

From the committee release, this can still be found in the UK.

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release

ABV: 52%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £295

From the middle of the table I’d look for Clynelish

Clynelish Game of Thrones

This is a good low-level bottle at well under £50. It is high strength, and although not very limited, it is limited and will run out. A longer prospect, but still worth it.

ABV: 51.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $178.49

Clynelish 1995 25 year old

With only 340 bottles of this single cask, cask strength bottle produced, from a well known independent bottler. I think this will do well.

ABV: 51%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £313.15

And from the very top of the table.

The Macallan Edition No.6

The last in the edition series, these are already collectable. And although not as expensive as earlier editions, it will still rise in value.

ABV: 48.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £299.99 // US $179.99

The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 edition

When customers are only allowed to buy one, it’s a clear indication that these will sell out fast and be in high demand. An annual release, also shows it’s only going to be created in limited numbers.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £249.95

And there we have it. A few suggestions for bottles which I think will do well in the future. As always, they are only suggestions, and I don’t profess to be the fountain of all knowledge, but these ideas might give you a helping hand in choosing bottles to invest in.

To see how this whisky investment index was created, follow this link and if you want to check out August and July’s recommended bottles then click here: August / July.

Which Whisky Should I Invest in?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The summer months are normally a little slower for auctions. This year has been a bit different. With few traveling on holiday and little opportunity to spend, alternative investments tend to do very well and this seems to be the case for Scotch.

This month sees the king has fallen and Macallan has taken the top place again. Macallan is always dominant in Asia and this month even more so taking it above all others. The mid table has been very steady with only minor changes. At the bottom, Ardbeg is still rising, and Glen Grant has taken the place of Bunnahabhain.

With little volatility, there doesn’t seem to be a bad bet in the top ten at the moment, although buying a bottle from the middle of the table would seem the safest thing to do.

Like last month I would still look at Springbank, and add Clynelish to your watch list. Below are a few bottles of the latter I’d be interested in.

Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1%
The Dalmore 2%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 2%
Yamazaki 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

Clynelish 1996 21 Year Old - Mission Gold Single Malt Whisky (Murry McDavid)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 22 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Single Malt Whisky

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.4%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 24 years old Wemyss Malts

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £260.35

Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Signatory

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51%
Find here: £313.15

When buying single cask bottles which seem cheaper than others, have a look at the abv. The price might be lower because the abv is also lower and therefore hasn’t been bottled at cask strength. Cask strength bottles will be more desirable, but also more expensive. Of the above four my pick would be the last one. Decent abv, good age, and less expensive than the first two.

Clynelish is never bottled by the distillery as a single cask. Diageo release a limited amount each year within the special releases, so the best way to invest in Clynelish is by buying independent bottles. These usually sell out quickly, so if you find one at the right price, don’t delay! Happy hunting.

As with March, April , May and June’s Whisky Investment Indexes, any bottles mentioned are just suggestions, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and start you on your journey in whisky investment.

How to Invest in Whisky

Written by Colin Hampden-White

The king is just about hanging onto the crown, but it is closer than it has been for many months. Macallan has risen a little and Springbank remains strong. As predicted, Ardbeg has risen up a little and may well rise further but these percentages tell only half the story. The big change over the last few months is the value of the bottles being traded. In the past the big-ticket items, commanding high retail prices were the ones to invest in, but it seems they have had their day and the retail prices, even for very rare whiskies are no longer lower than the secondary market prices. My advice, for now, would be to stay clear of bottles over 5K and find the sweet spot which seems to be around £250 to £1500. I don’t think it matters much about the ranking at this level, and one is best to think long term. As with all investment portfolios, diversify. If you can collect a number of bottles in the top 10 from different distilleries within the sweet spot of £250 to £1500, and hang onto them for at least five years, you shouldn’t do badly.

The Dalmore 2%
Bowmore 3%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Ardbeg 2%
Bunnahabhain

Bottles to Watch

As a pointer this month I am going to suggest Springbank as one to concentrate on. Some of these limited releases have different ABVs depending on release and are not listed here.

Springbank 16 year old Local Barley

The local barley release sells out in seconds, so if you see one you’re very lucky! Always sought after and very collectable. Also, absolutely delicious!

Springbank 9 year old Gaja cask

This is a bit of a sleeper for me. It’s not expensive, but it will be limited and lovely. I reckon this will rise quickly despite its young age.

Springbank 19 year old Sherry Cask

19 years old is unusual for Springbank, which singles this expression out. Being in sherry will also help its appeal, and will be looked for by collectors. At this price, for Springbank it’s a great deal.

Springbank 21 years old 1990’s

This is a rare find, and already has some age to it. Only one bottle here shows how rare these things are at retail. Bottled I the 1990’s, the distillate will be 1970’s and a wonderful look back in time.

Find here

Springbank 15 years old 1990’s

Another 1990’s bottling giving a view into the late 1970’s or early 1980’s. Again, a rare bottle and one worth hanging onto.

Find here

As with March, April and May’s Whisky Investment Indexes, any bottles mentioned are just suggestions, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and start you on your journey in whisky investment.

Which Whiskies To Invest In - May Whisky Investment Index

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The king lives on, as Dalmore stays at the top for whisky investors, or, very wealthy drinkers were buying at auction last month! Closing the gap from last month and now in second place is Bowmore with old bottles of Bowmore doing very well.

There were a good amount of Karuizawa bottles at auction, notably a bottle of Five Decades sold for charity which was donated by Marcin Miller and David Croll raising £9800 for the Worshipful Company of Distillers Charities.

The usual suspects are still in the top ten with Macallan, Springbank and Clynelish, and they are joined by Ardbeg, which, because of the rarity of old bottles dips in and out of the top ten, and with the release of Ardbeg 25, Scorch and a very notable single cask 20 year old, Ardbeg may well move further up in the coming months.

So, my top tip for bottles to watch this month would be Ardbeg as I feel there will be plenty on the market in the coming month and it will go up the top ten. Avoid the first bottles on the market from new releases as they tend to spike in price before settling down after a month or so. It might even be worth looking back at bottles released a year ago. I’ve listed a few below.

The Dalmore 6%
Bowmore 3%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Clynelish 5%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Bunnahabhain 1.5%
Ardbeg

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 

A one-off release to celebrate the career of distillery manager Micky Heads. We had the fortune of meeting Micky on our trip to Islay and he spoke about another brilliant expression called Galileo. Another Ardbeg well worth investing in if you can find it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 58.8%
Find here: US from 179.49

Ardbeg Blaaack

Before Scorch there was Blaaack. This special release for the 20th anniversary of the committee was released over six months ago now means the initial spike in prices are over and are back to a good level to buy at auction, or if like this one you can find it at its original release price, then that’s a great option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: US from $139.99

Ardbeg 19 1st release

This Ardbeg was a new release at the end of 2019, and they are now onto their second batch with a 3rd to follow soon. If you can find the original first release, these are now being found at auction and increasing in price steadily.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46.2%
Find here: US from $322.70

In the UK there are a few very special bottles on sale. Along with a distillery bottling from 2002, independent bottles are also well worth looking at. With the rarity of Ardbeg official bottles, these independent bottles will also increase over time.

Ardbeg Committee Reserve (bottled 2002)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.3%
Find here: £1,195

Ardbeg 28 Year Old Hunter Laing

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.1%
Find here: £1012.22

Ardbeg 24 Year Old

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find here: £1034.95

All the brands in the top ten should do well over time. Like any of my suggestions, they are suggestions and I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and introduce you to the possibilities of investing in whisky.

If you want to take a look at past whisky investment indexes then click here for April and here for March.

Which Whiskies to Invest in - April Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

This month has seen quite a bit of change in the leaders in Scotch whisky and we have added a tenth position as the volume for Macallan has risen recently. Dalmore is still riding high with great values as well as volumes being achieved. Bowmore has had a good month and overtakes Springbank. In the mid field everything is still very tight with only small percentages separating the brands. Notably Macallan has joined the list and not in last place, having had good volumes at auction with older bottles gaining in value.

As always, if I were buying at auction, I would be looking for rare, limited editions and single cask bottlings from good independent bottlers or official bottlings. I would also take a look at some of the brands that have done well historically but might not be on the top list at the moment, like Ardbeg and Mortlach. These might be a good bet for the future.

This page is always a pointer, and in no way should be taken as a proven way to invest in whisky. Like all investments, they can go down as well as up. Please do your own research as well, and if this informs that research, I’m glad we are helping.

When I started collecting, I bought nearly every release from the English Whisky Company, which were around £50 to £200 a bottle. They released quite a few bottles in their first few years. Apparently, the market thought too many, and I would have lost 50% of what I spent had I sold them. Luckily, they tasted great! On the converse side, I bought a bottle of Hanyu Joker from the card series for £215 which is now sold at auction for around £3,000. I have many examples of bad and good investments. The trick, like any investment portfolio, is to be diverse. Have a broad portfolio and hopefully the winners will outweigh the losers.

Dalmore 8%
Bowmore 3%
Rosebank 1.5%
Clynelish 0.5%
Yamazaki 1%
Springbank 1.5%
Karuizawa 2%
Glendronach 1.5%
Macallan 1%
Bunnahabain (base)

Above all, when I invest in whisky, I buy whisky I love. For example, if you don’t like peaty whisky, don’t buy Islay. At the end of the day, if it goes wrong, you can always drink it!

Bottles to Watch

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 6

Batch 7 has been released, so Batch 6 will become rarer and rarer and begin to go up in value in both the USA and UK.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.4%
Find here: UK £300 // US $599.99

Scapa 16

A discontinued whisky with very few bottles remaining.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £225

Invergordon 50 year old

At 50 years old this is very special and is only cheap because it is grain whisky. I reckon grain whisky is going to become more and more expensive and there were only 328 bottles of this one produced.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47.5%
Find here: £349.95

Clynelish 23

With only 187 bottles produced from this well respected and well followed distillery. This should be a good bet.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47.3%

To compare this list to last month’s click here and if you want to find out more about Scotch whisky then don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime now!